Pima County Sheriff Arrests Law Enforcement Impersonator
Featured

An alleged police impersonator has been arrested by the Pima County Sheriff’s office.

On August 21, 2018, an off duty Border Patrol Agent called the Sheriff’s Department to report an individual driving an unmarked passenger car displaying red and blue lights had attempted to pull him over three days prior.

The incident occurred near the 49ers Country Club in the 12000 block of North Tanque Verde Road. The agent advised the lights did not look like normal emergency equipment and became suspicious of the stop.

Using his cell phone, the agent was able to snap a picture of the vehicle as the individual pulled in front of the agent’s car and stopped. The subject made a threatening gesture towards the agent and flashed a badge before fleeing the location.

Pima County Sheriff’s Department Rincon directed patrol deputies immediately started investigating the case and looking for the vehicle.

Today, just before 8:00 a.m., they were conducting surveillance in the parking lot of the 49ers Country Club parking lot when they located a vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who was identified as Bryan Watmore. They were able to positively establish Mr. Watmore’s involvement with the stop of the off duty agent.

Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies served a search warrant at Mr. Watmore’s residence and located car LED lights and a security officer badge.

Mr. Watmore was taken into custody and transported to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on two felony counts of impersonating a law enforcement officer. Additional charges are pending reference narcotics located in his vehicle.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the public to use extreme caution should you encounter a situation such as this. If you are unsure whether a traffic stop is legitimate, remain calm and dial 9-1-1 immediately to verify the stop.

Drive cautiously while maintaining your speed and locate a well-lit, busy location to wait for law enforcement officers to arrive.

If you were a victim of this impersonation attempt, or have additional information about this case, please contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 351-4900.